SFF stands by ‘The Assassin(s)’ after Korean demand
The decision to showcase Hur Jin-ho’s acclaimed film, The Assassin(s), as the opening feature at the Singapore International Film Festival has unfolded amidst an unexpected political standoff. This choice came just a day after a significant challenge was put forth by South Korea’s conservative People Power Party (PPP), where all 109 lawmakers requested the festival to withdraw the film from the lineup.
The request signaled a notable tension between cultural celebration and political maneuver, turning a cinematic event into a subtle point of international dialogue.
Despite the high-level political intervention, the festival ultimately stood by its artistic curation. When addressing the situation, the festival made no specific mention of the PPP in its official statement released on Wednesday. Instead, the statement simply acknowledged awareness of the request, focusing instead on the celebration of cinema itself.
This measured response allowed the SGIFF to maintain its focus on the artistic merit of the selection, keeping the spotlight firmly on the cinematic achievement rather than engaging in political commentary.
The outcome reaffirmed the festival’s commitment to artistic freedom, demonstrating that while political pressures may exist, the celebration of global cinema remains paramount. The success of the film, and the festival’s decision to proceed, underscored the power of art to transcend geopolitical divisions.
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